Human Exploration and Spaceflight Exploration and Operations Program Development Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

Within the CSG, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Human Exploration and Spaceflight Exploration and Operations Program Development Engineer (Member of Technical Staff- Technical Project Management). In this role you will support the Human Exploration and Spaceflight line of business with program office systems engineering initiatives that stimulate and build out customer capabilities within emerging development programs across a variety of customers primarily supporting the NASA contract.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Washington DC, or El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support emerging NASA program SEI goals, objectives and requirement flow down for new initiatives supporting Artemis and LEO system development
• Engage with stakeholders to understand evolving acquisition related strategies in support of Artemis and Commercial LEO development programs
• Provide engineering technical writing expertise as well as technical baseline management skills
• Facilitate digital engineering initiatives across various program offices
• Provide direct technical support and expertise to customer teams in areas such as life cycle review management, mission architecture design, and strategy design and analysis
• Develop roadmaps and schedules that align with customer requirements and Aerospace capabilities
• Facilitate meetings with NASA and external teams to gather detailed SEI requirements to ensure missions success and drive towards an agreed to integrated roadmap
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Aerospace Corp and customer program office teams
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify resources, capabilities, and potential risks, providing feedback and updates to key stakeholders
• Support customer requirements as necessary

What You Need to be Successful - Member of Technical Staff- Technical Project Management

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or another STEM related field
• At least 2 years of technical engineering experience working in government ecosystems, including FFRDC understanding
• Experience with NASA or government contracting
• Expertise in building NASA partnerships human exploration and spaceflight sector
• Strong understanding of program management processes, technical requirements, and operational execution
• Strong technical writing skills and digital environment skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with program objectives and timelines
• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally approx. 10%
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, or another STEM related field
• Current and strong working relationships with NASA across the agency
• Experience with life cycle review management and knowledge of technical disciplines related to aerospace systems and programs
• Understanding of human health and performance spaceflight matters

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$86,600 - $129,800

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.